This week, the Government has published its decarbonisation plan which outlines how it aims to ‘decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050’.
Commenting on the launch of the plan, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Transport is not just how you get around. It is something that fundamentally shapes our towns, cities and countryside, our living standards and our health. It can shape all those things for good or for bad. Decarbonisation is not just some technocratic process. It’s about how we make sure that transport shapes quality of life and the economy in ways that are good.”
“It’s not about stopping people doing things: it’s about doing the same things differently. We will still fly on holiday, but in more efficient aircraft, using sustainable fuel. We will still drive, but increasingly in zero emission cars”.
Through the plan, the Government has confirmed its continued support for Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) through a range of financial and non-financial measures, as regulations will be laid to improve consumer experience.
As part of this vision, the Government announced its intention to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) by 2040, subject to consultation – combined with the 2030 phase out date for petrol and diesel cars and vans (2035 for hybrids). The consultation proposes a 2035 phase out date for vehicles weighing from 3.5 to 26 tonnes and 2040 for vehicles weighing more than 26 tonnes – or earlier if a faster transition seems feasible.
Additionally, the report indicates 2024 has a “Potential date for introduction of a new road vehicle CO2 emissions regulatory regime”.
The Government also announced that it has brought forward the target date for the whole central government fleet of 40,000 cars and vans to be fully zero emission by 2027, 3 years earlier than previously planned.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), representing franchised car and commercial vehicle dealers in the UK, has commented on the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan:
"It is encouraging to see that the Government has published its Transport Decarbonisation Plan providing further details on how it aims to ‘decarbonise all modes of domestic transport by 2050’.
“Franchised vehicle dealers have been making significant investments both improving their infrastructure and adapting processes to meet the fast-growing consumer demand for electrified vehicles and embrace the transition to zero emission transportation.
"Retailers will continue to play a crucial role during this transition enabling their customers to switch to greener vehicles by informing them about all the benefits of owning an EV. However, it is imperative that motorists are supported through a range of incentives to ensure that they do not hold on to their old vehicles. In particular, we must ensure improvements to the current infrastructure are adequate and representative of geographical differences.
"It is extremely positive to see that the Government has included in the ‘delivery plan’ its continued support for NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme among the initiatives aimed at raising awareness of zero emission vehicles and boosting consumer confidence.
"NFDA remains in constant dialogue with the Government and we will respond to all relevant consultations over the coming months on behalf of the retail side of the automotive sector".
Download below:
Decarbonising Transport - A Better, Greener Britain: https://assets.publishing.serv...
Transitioning to zero emission cars and vans: 2035 delivery plan: https://assets.publishing.serv... (EVA mentioned on page 12)
